Robotic device

Abstract

Apparatus for spraying a material on a surface comprises at least one elongate member having a distal end and a proximal end, at least one spray nozzle mounted at the distal end of the elongate member for spraying the material in a spray pattern, the spray nozzle being connected to a spray material input at the proximal end of the elongate member, a camera mounted at the distal end of the elongate member and connected to a camera output at the proximal end of the elongate member, the camera being arranged to capture images of the spray pattern, and a control mechanism arranged to control the operation of the spray nozzle from the proximal end of the elongate member.

The invention claimed is: 
     
       1. A method of spraying a thermal insulation material on a surface of an underfloor void, the method comprising:
 inserting an elongate member of an apparatus through an opening of the underfloor void, wherein the elongate member has distal and proximal ends, and the apparatus includes:
 the elongate member; 
 a spray nozzle mounted at the distal end of the elongate member for spraying the thermal insulation material in a spray pattern, wherein the spray nozzle is connected to a spray material input at the proximal end of the elongate member, and wherein the spray nozzle is mounted for motorised movement relative to the distal end of the elongate member; 
 a camera mounted at the distal end of the elongate member and connected to a camera output at the proximal end of the elongate member, wherein the camera is arranged to capture images of the spray pattern; and 
 a control mechanism arranged to control operation of the spray nozzle from the proximal end of the elongate member, and arranged to control the motorised movement of the spray nozzle relative to the distal end of the elongate member; and 
 
 spraying the thermal insulation material on the surface of the underfloor void, wherein the apparatus allows an operator to carry out operations within the void while the operator remains outside the void. 
 
     
     
       2. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising rotating the spray nozzle about a longitudinal axis of the elongate member by operation of a handle of the control mechanism, wherein the handle is mechanically connected to the elongate member at the proximal end. 
     
     
       3. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising rotating a handle of the control mechanism to cause extension of the elongate member, wherein the handle is mechanically connected to the elongate member at the proximal end. 
     
     
       4. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising extending the elongate member telescopically. 
     
     
       5. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising extending the elongate member by coupling a modular member to the elongate member. 
     
     
       6. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising suspending the elongate member from at least one mounting point via a support for the elongate member. 
     
     
       7. The method as claimed in  claim 1 , further comprising capturing depth information in the field of view of the camera by a rangefinder mounted at the distal end of the elongate member and connected to a rangefinder output at the proximal end of the elongate member.